A surprising encounter
Deutsch
English Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; Zechariah 9:9a (ESV)
Jerusalem, the city of the great God. There was the temple where people met. Attended church services, heard God's Word and worshiped God.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Luke 2:25-26 (ESV)
1. Time of waiting
Simeon didn't know what day it would be. Now he had a secret in his heart. He was in touch with God through his prayers, visits to the temple. Waiting is a challenging time. Waiting can be different for us humans. There is divine waiting, regarding God's promises. There is also a human waiting. The waiting/wish list is large:
- Existential needs
- Marriage, family, children
- place of work
- Good education
- Good accommodation
2. Fulfillment, complete certainty
Simeon waited longingly for the Savior of Israel. The day came.
And he came in the Spirit into the temple Luke 2:27a (ESV)
When he entered, he stopped and looked at the people present.
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation. Luke 2:27b -30 (ESV)
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
Job 49:5 (ESV)
This means a divine encounter. A change of heart. Simeon continued speaking with Jesus in his arms:
For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples. Luke 2:30-31 (ESV)
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Johannes 1,9 (GNB)
Jesus sprach weiter zu den Leuten: »Ich bin das Licht für die
Welt. Wer mir folgt, tappt nicht mehr im Dunkeln, sondern hat das Licht und mit
ihm das Leben.«
John 8:12 (ESV)
3. A look into the future
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35 (ESV)
4. What is your decision?
Falling means rejecting Jesus:
Possible statements: I don't want to have anything to do with your Jesus! No interest, I live the way I want!
Or be saved:
Jesus died for us humans, rose again and sits today on the throne at the right side of his Father. All people are allowed to come. Jesus waits longingly for his followers. You are also invited. Do you want? If yes, then the following steps are necessary:
- Believe in Jesus
- Recognize that you are a sinner
- Confess the sin before Jesus
- Accept Jesus into your heart
- Go to a suitable community of christians
